03/12/2009
Southland Steel Fabricators Announces Expansion in Greensburg
GREENSBURG - Gov. Bobby Jindal and Louisiana
Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret joined Southland Steel
Fabricators Vice President Joey Lombardo to announce plans to
expand Southland's existing facility in Greensburg, by 50,400
square feet, as well as construct a new 32,000-square-foot
building. The addition includes the installation of $400,000 worth
of equipment for a new paint shop. The project represents a $1.5
million capital investment that will retain 141 jobs and create 35
new jobs, with an average salary of $36,000.
Jindal said, "Business retention and expansion has been the top
economic-development priority of our administration since day
one. This expansion is yet another example of how we have
dedicated over 90 percent of our discretionary incentives to help
retain and expand existing Louisiana companies. Louisiana
continues to attract new investment despite a difficult national
economic environment."
Moret added, "We are delighted that Southland Steel Fabricators
has committed to growing their business in St. Helena Parish. While
we continue to recruit new businesses to Louisiana, the majority of
our growth will come from businesses that are already here."
Over the past three years, Southland's sales have increased
dramatically. The new facilities will increase Southland's
competitive advantage at the national and global levels in the
fabrication of structural and miscellaneous steel.
"As a family owned business, we are heavily invested in the
community," said Lombardo. "We are very appreciative of LED's help
in positioning our company to compete in an always expanding
market."
Construction is expected to begin immediately, with completion
scheduled for early 2010. The company has applied for LED's Quality
Jobs Program and Industrial Tax Exemption Program. In addition,
Southland Steel will utilize the Economic Development Loan
Opportunity Program, or EDLOP, with assistance provided by LED. To
qualify for EDLOP assistance, projects must have significant new
capital investment, create or retain at least ten full-time jobs at
the project location, and maintain payroll levels as stated in the
application.
Founded in 1986, Southland Steel Fabricators Inc. has
headquarters and fabrication facilities in Greensburg. The
company's services include structural and miscellaneous steel
fabrication for the industrial and heavy commercial markets.
Southland also has a secondary product line for telecommunication
and telephone monopoles.
